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MONTROSE, Ia. (KWQC)- At least 12 people were arrested Saturday during a protest aimed at blocking construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through southeast Iowa. The pipeline project will connect the Bakken and Three Forks production areas in North Dakota to Patoka, Illinois.

The goal of the pipeline is to enable domestically produced crude oil in a safer and more efficient manner and will cross 18 Iowa counties. However, many argue that the pipeline is environmentally irresponsible and will result in added pollution to the Mississippi River.

“The use of eminent domain to take away people’s property not for the public good but for profit is really disturbing and it has to stop this is a real travesty when it comes to the original concept of eminent domain,” said Benn Dunnington.

Dunnington has participated in multiple Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Although Dunnington said he doesn’t plan to get arrested, he supports fellow protesters that do.

“This is a do or die kind of situation, this is very critical it impacts or survival the quality of our life for everybody even the people that are for the pipeline they have to drink water too.”

Protesters said they will continue to take a stand until construction is halted. If completed, the pipeline will transport 470,000 barrels per day. The pipeline is projected to be in service by the fourth quarter of 2016.